Accelerating game production, acquiring new licences and ramping up marketing efforts, gaming solutions provider Champion is on a mission to become a global industry leader. CEO Anton Chumel discusses the company’s trajectory and details a game development ethos fusing familiarity with novelty.
Anton, could you tell us more about Champion and reflect on how the business has developed during your tenure?
Champion has always stood out as a dynamic and forward-thinking brand in the gaming industry. When I took the helm, my vision was to blend our rich legacy with innovation, ensuring we stayed ahead of the curve in this fast-paced market. Over the years, we’ve transformed from a niche player to a recognised force, expanding our portfolio significantly and growing our presence across multiple markets.
Our focus on quality, user experience, and innovation has been the cornerstone of our success. We’ve invested heavily in technology and talent, which has allowed us to develop games that resonate with players globally. Our growth trajectory has been impressive, and I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in establishing Champion as a brand synonymous with excellence in gaming.
Where are Champion’s products currently live and licensed? What operators are you collaborating with in these markets?
Champion holds gambling licences from Curacao, Romania, and Ukraine, which enable us to operate across multiple international markets. Our main markets are in Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, but our reach extends beyond these regions.
These licences allow us to collaborate with leading operators, ensuring our products are accessible to a diverse and global player base. We’ve established partnerships with a diverse range of operators, from smaller, niche platforms to some of the industry’s largest names.
Where is Champion looking to be certified? Are new and emerging markets of greater interest than well-established markets?
We are currently focusing on obtaining a licence from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), which is a key part of our strategy to expand our presence in well-regulated and established markets. While our existing licences have allowed us to thrive in Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, securing the MGA licence will further solidify our position in these regions and open new opportunities across Europe and beyond.
While emerging markets remain of great interest due to their growth potential, we recognise the importance of being well-established in mature markets, where the regulatory environment is robust, and the player base is highly engaged. Our approach is to balance our efforts, making strategic moves into new territories while also strengthening our presence in well-established markets.
What’s Champion’s product development ethos? What differentiates a Champion game from industry peers?
Our product development ethos is centred around innovation, player engagement, and quality. We believe that every game should offer something unique, whether it’s through innovative mechanics, captivating storytelling, or cutting-edge technology. What differentiates a Champion game is our commitment to blending creativity with precision.
We invest heavily in understanding player preferences and market trends, which allows us to create games that not only entertain but also challenge the norm. Our focus on user experience, coupled with our attention to detail, ensures that our games stand out in a crowded market. We don’t just follow trends; we aim to set them.
With new games like Kong of the Jungle and Fish Day tapping into stereotypical jungle and underwater themes, to what extent is nonconformity and innovativeness possible in the gaming industry?
While themes like jungles and underwater adventures have broad appeal and are well-loved by players, at Champion, we believe that true innovation comes from how these themes are executed. For instance, with our latest game Safari Ways Deluxe, we’ve taken a familiar desert setting and infused it with unique animal encounters, creating a fresh and engaging experience that goes beyond the typical thematic boundaries.
Innovativeness in the gaming industry is very much possible, and we strive to achieve it by blending traditional themes with unexpected elements, compelling narratives, and cutting-edge mechanics. This approach allows us to offer games that feel both familiar and novel, appealing to a wide audience while standing out in a crowded market.
What is Champion’s upcoming game launch roadmap and how does tie into the business’ market strategy?
Currently, Champion is on a solid trajectory, launching one new game each month. However, our plan is to ramp up production and double that output to two games per month in the near future. This accelerated launch schedule is closely aligned with our market strategy of expanding into both established and emerging regions.
By consistently introducing fresh and engaging content, we aim to strengthen our presence in key markets. This roadmap is not only about increasing volume but also about enhancing the quality and relevance of our offerings to meet the demands of a global player base.
As Champion scales, how will the business look to ramp up its development output and brand awareness?
In terms of brand awareness, we’re significantly increasing our marketing efforts. This includes expanding our marketing team and executing a comprehensive action plan that covers both online and offline channels. We’ll be enhancing our presence at key iGaming events by participating with our own stands, ensuring that Champion’s brand is front and centre among industry peers and potential partners.
Additionally, our marketing strategy will leverage digital campaigns, social media, and partnerships to increase visibility and engagement with our audience. This holistic approach is designed to boost our brand presence globally while ensuring that our growing portfolio of games reaches and resonates with players around the world.
What’s your long-term vision for Champion?
My long-term vision for Champion is to be a global leader in the igaming industry, recognised for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity. We aspire to create a brand that not only entertains but also inspires. Our new motto, PLAY WIN BE A CHAMPION, encapsulates this vision perfectly. We want every player who engages with our games to feel the thrill of the game, the satisfaction of victory, and the empowerment of being a true champion.
